Hydraulic press

ABSTRACT

A hydraulic press includes a frame having a top support plate with a generally U-shaped cut out mounted on spaced uprights. A ram is provided above the support plate cut out to vertically move a tool. A plurality of pairs of vertically spaced platen supports are mounted by the uprights, the platen supports of each pair being transversely spaced for supporting a removably, horizontal platen with its generally U-shaped cut out directly vertically below the support plate cut out. Either the platen or the support plate can be used for supporting a jig, or a fixture, or a work piece. A second embodiment includes a pair of spaced vertical rams for moving a tool vertically relative a support plate that has a generally U-shaped cut out horizontally between and at a lower elevation than the rams in their retracted position.

United States Patent 1 Delmore July 22, 1975 [73] Assignee: Tennant Company, Minneapolis,

Minn.

[22] Filed: Mar. 1, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 447,213

Primary Examiner-C. W. Lanham Assistant Examiner-Gene P. Crosby Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Bugger, Johnson & Westman [57] ABSTRACT A hydraulic press includes a frame having a top support plate with a generally U-shaped cut out mounted on spaced uprights. A ram is provided above the support plate cut out to vertically move a tool.

A plurality of pairs of vertically spaced platen supports are mounted by the uprights, the platen supports of each pair being transversely spaced for supporting a removably, horizontal platen with its generally U-shaped cut out directly vertically below the support plate cut out. Either the platen or the support plate can be used for supporting a jig, or a fixture, or a work piece. A second embodiment includes a pair of spaced vertical rams for moving a tool vertically relative a support plate that has a generally U-shaped cut out horizontally between and at a lower elevation than the rams in their retracted position.

SHEET PATENTEDJUL 22 I975 HYDRAULIC PRESS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A hydraulic press having a ram for moving a tool for performing a work operation on a work piece. In the prior art it is old to provide a hydraulic press having a ram of a fixed piston stroke for performing a work operation on a work piece mounted on a fixedly mounted support plate. However the usability of such a press is limited due to spacing between the support plate and the end of the ram adjacent the support plate in the ram retracted position is fixed. In order to overcome problems such as the above, as well as others, this invention has been made.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A hydraulic press having a frame, a two way acting ram mounted on the frame, and a platen for supporting work pieces, fixtures or jigs, said frame including frame members for removably supporting the platen at various selected distances from the ram.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a new and novel hydraulic press for mounting a work piece, fixture or jig supporting platen at various selected spaced positions from a ram. Another object of this invention is to provide a hydraulic press having a hydraulic ram, a fixed position work piece or jig support plate and a new novel mounting for a removable platen. In furtherance of the above mentioned objects, it is another object of this invention to provide a new and novel hydraulic press having tandem rams.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hydraulic press of the first embodiment of the invention looking toward one front corner portion of the press that is performing a work operation;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the press of FIG. 1 looking toward the other front corner portion of press that is performing a different work operation; and

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary front view of a hydraulic press of a second embodiment of the invention.

Referring now in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first embodiment of the hydraulic press of this invention includes a frame, generally designated 10, that includes a pair of transversely spaced uprights 11, a pair of transversely spaced front uprights 12, and a pair of intermediate uprights 13 that are located longitudinally intermediate the front and rear uprights. On the uprights ll, 12 and 13 on each transverse side of the press there is mounted a top horizontal frame member 14 and 15 respectively, the frame members being parallel to one another and extending longitudinally.

The lower end portion of a casting 16 is mounted by the frame, the casting 16 having a predominantly horizontally extending arm 16a that extends forwardly to mount a vertical, fixed stroke ram 17, 18 such that the central axis of the reciprocally movable piston rod 18 is located transversely between frame members l4, l and longitudinally intermediate uprights 12, 13. The ram has a two way acting cylinder 17 that is attached to the casting 16 while an appropriate fitting 19 is attached to the lower end portion of the piston rod 18 for mounting a suitable tool for carrying out a work operation on a work piece. A clamp plate 26 is removably bolted to the arm 16a for securing the cylinder to the arm 16a and also to permit the vertical spacing of the cylinder from support plate 20 being adjusted upon loosening the bolts, and upon tightening the bolts, prevent the cylinder moving relative arm 16a. Micrometer 5 stops or other conventional means may be provided in controlling stroke lengths to stop or proceed and return to any given length of stroke up to the maximum of the cylinder capacity.

Welded to the forward end portions of the frame members l4, in overlying relationship thereto is a top horizontal support plate that has a forwardly opening, generally U-shaped cut out 21 that is ofa horizontal area greater than the transverse area of the piston rod. The cut out 21 is located vertically beneath the piston rod 18 in its retracted position and extends horizontally forwardly and rearwardly thereof, and transversely on either side thereof. Advantageously the plate 20 may be provided with drilled and tapped holes or T- slots, or the like, for securing a work piece or fixture thereto.

Welded to the uprights 12, 13 at a lower elevation than the top support plate and on one transverse side of the press to extend therebetween and toward the corresponding uprights on the opposite side of the press are a plurality of vertical spaced, longitudinally elongated horizontal platen supports 22. Likewise, on the other upright l2, 13 there are mounted a plurality of vertically spaced, longitudinally elongated, horizontal platen supports 23 to extend transversely toward the platen supports 22. It should be noted that there is a platen support 23 at the same elevation as each platen support 22 and that the adjacent longitudinal edges of each of the platen supports 22, 23 at the same elevation are substantially transversely spaced from one another by a transverse distance at least as great as the maximum transverse dimension of the cut out 21. The front edges of the platen supports are located a substantial distance horizontally forwardly of the piston rod while the rear edges are located a substantial distance rearwardly of the piston rod. The platen supports are provided for supporting a removable platen 24 at any one of a number of select vertical spacings from the ram with the platen being located vertically beneath the top support plate, including being directly vertically beneath the cut out 21. The platen 24 has a forwardly opening, generally U-shaped cut out 25 that extends horizontally to at least in part be located directly beneath the piston rod 18 and extends horizontally forwardly and rearwardly thereof. Preferably, the cut out 25 is of a substantially smaller horizontal cross sectional area than the cut out 21 but larger than the transverse cross sectional area of the piston rod.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the second embodiment of the hydraulic press of this invention includes the frame, generally designated 30, that mounts a pair of transversely spaced castings 36. Advantageously each casting is of the same construction as the casting 16 of the first embodiment. Each casting 36 has a predominantly horizontally forwardly extending arm that mounts a vertical ram 37, 38 to be located vertically above the front end portion of the frame. The rams are mounted in parallel relationship to one another. Mounted on the front end portion of the frame is a top support plate 40 that has a transversely intermediate, forwardly opening, generally U-shaped cut out 41. The rams are tandem operated and include piston rods 38 that dependingly mount the fitting 39, the piston rods in retracted positions being vertically above and transversely on either side of the cut out, and horizontally rearwardly of the front portion of the cut out. The fitting 39 has a work piece engaging portion 39a or a tool 39a mounted thereon that is located directly vertically above the cut out 41.

The frame includes transversely spaced frame members 31, 32 which respectively mount a plurality of platen supports 42 and 43 in transversely spaced and vertically spaced relationship such as described in more detail relative the platen supports 22, 23 of the first embodiment. The platen supports 42, 43 are provided for mounting a removable platen 44 to be located vertically beneath the cut out 41. The platen 44 has a generally U-shaped cut out 45 that is located vertically beneath cut out 41, and preferably of a substantially smaller horizontal cross sectional area than cut out 41.

Even though the ram of the apparatus of this invention has a fixed length stroke which is less than the minimum vertical spacing from piston rod in its retracted position from the top of the top support plate, the apparatus may be used for performing many different type work operations on different type work pieces, depending on the tools and the fixtures used therewith. For example, referring to FIG. 1, an axially elongated broaching tool 46 is dependingly mounted by the fitting 19 to perform a broaching operation on an annular work piece 47. In this instance the combined axial lengths of the broaching tool mounted in the fitting in the piston rod retracted position and the work piece is greater than the spacing of the piston rod in its retracted position from the top support plate, and thus the platen 24 is moved and positioned on the upper most platen supports 22, 23. The work piece 47 is then positioned on platen to be supported thereby and have the central aperture of the work piece open downwardly through the cut out 25 and thence fluid under pressure applied to the cylinder 17 for moving the piston rod 18 and tool 46 downwardly to perform the broaching operation.

In the event that the broaching tool was of a substantially shorter length, the platen 24 may be positioned on the top support plate; whereas if the axial length of the broaching tool 46 were substantially longer than that of the tool illustrated in FIG. 1, then the platen 24 may be moved downwardly to be supported on, for example, the second or third set of platen supports 22, 23 (from the top).

As for an example of a different type of work operation, it may be noted in FIG. 2, a bending jig 49 is positioned on the top support plate to extend across the cut out 21 and a fitting 50 is mounted on the piston rod 18. The fitting dependingly mounts a bending fixture 51 for bending the work piece 52 when the work piece is supported by the jig 49 and the piston rod is moved vertically downwardly.

Referring to FIG. 3, the tandem rarn press may be utilized when greater pressure is needed than that obtained from a single ram. In such a case, if the tool 39a is of greater vertical height than the vertical spacing between the fitting 39 and the top of the support plate 50, then the tool would be of a transverse width smaller than the corresponding width of the cut out 41 so it may be moved downwardly therethrough. In such a case the work piece would be supported on a platen 44 that is positioned on the appropriate set of platen supports 42, 43, the tool being of a height to perform the work operation when the piston rods are moved to their extended positions. On the other hand if the combined height of the tool and the work piece is less than the spacing between the fitting 39 and the support plate, and the work piece in one horizontal direction is of a size greater than the cut out 41, the work piece may be positioned on top of the support plate. In the event the work piece in a horizontal direction is of maximim size that is less than the transverse width of cut out 41, and the combined height of the tool. work piece and platen are less than a spacing of the fitting in its retracted position from plate 40, then the platen would be provided on the support plate to extend across the cut out for supporting the work piece.

It is within the preview of this invention that the platen may be provided with more than one cut out that is spaced from the other, for example opening through different edges of the platen as long as the platen can be positioned to be supported by the platen supports and the cut out at least in part being located directly below the piston rod. Such cut outs may be of different sizes and shapes, or in place of cut outs, the platen may be provided with apertures to be located directly below the piston rod. To be mentioned is that the platen to be supported by the platen supports 22, 23 or 42, 43 need not be provided with a cut out or aperture if the work operation is, for example a bending one, and a jig is to be supported on the platen, or a work operation wherein one part of a work piece is not to be pushed out of another part of the work piece. Also more than one platen may be provided that has different size and- /or shape cut outs or apertures than those in the other platen or platens.

Further, it is to be understood that even though the invention has been described with reference to a work operation being performed when the piston rod is moving from a retracted to an extended position, it is possible to use the apparatus of this invention for performing a work operation when a pulling force is required. This may be accomplished by using a suitable fixture and tool whereby, for example, the pulling force is exerted through the work piece to the platen 44 and the platen is moved upwardly (or is supported) to abut against the bottom surfaces of the platen supports thereabove, or the top plate, to stop further upward movement of the desired part of the work piece while permitting another part of the work piece being moved upwardly. Alternately, the platen may be bolted to the platen supports.

Additionally, frame members 12, 13 and 31, 32 may be of any length, and any number of platen supports may be provided, depending on the type of work operations to be performed on the hydraulic press.

Although the apparatus of this invention has been described with reference to a vertical press, it is to be understood the press may be a horizontal press of the same construction other than the various parts of the press extend at right angles to that described, including the ram stroke being in the horizontal direction. In a horizontal press, if desired, there may be provided tracks or guideways (not shown) on the platen supports for retaining a platen in a generally vertical condition; or removably clamped for removably securing the platen to the platen support.

With the press of FIG. 3, due to the space between the rams 37, and above and below tool 39a and between the plate 40, the provision of the cut out 41, and the spacing between supports 42, 43 and the spacing between supports 42, 43 and the cut out, and with the provision of suitable jigs and tools, circular or boxed shaped items may be made from flat or other suitably shaped pieces of material.

Through the provision of the plurality of vertically spaced sets of platen supports on a vertical press, a push or pull operation can be exerted in increments by operating the ram to move the tool through a first increment with the platen on one side of one set of platen supports, thence moving the platen to be on the corresponding side of a second set of platen supports that the platen had been relative the first set, and thereafter moving the tool through a second increment. Additionally, different type holding fixtures and tools can be used for performing various work operations on various work pieces, for example, on bearings, sheaves, pulleys, pulling rods out of or pushing rods into apertures of structural members that mount the rods or carrying out sledging operations. As a result of the provision of the apparatus of this invention, a greater versatility of usage of a hydraulic press is obtainable even though the ram has a given ram stroke, then is obtainable with conventional hydraulic presses that are of a relative simple construction. Thus a single hydraulic press of this invention can be used for performing a multitude of different work operations; whereas, with prior art presses, a number of different hydraulic presses would be required. Also with the apparatus of this invention either a pushing force or a pulling force may be exerted in either a horizontal or a vertical direction.

What is claimed is:

1. For reciprocating a tool along a given axis to perform a work operation on a work piece, a hydraulic press comprising a frame, a first piston cylinder combination having a first cylinder and a first piston rod reciprocally operated by the cylinder, said first combination having a fixed length piston stroke, means for mounting the combination on the frame, tool mounting means adapted for attaching a tool to the first piston rod to move therewith along said axis, a platen for supporting a work piece supporting jig or work piece to have a work operation performed on the work piece by a tool mounted by the tool mounting means and moved through actuation of said first combination, means mounted on the frame for supporting the platen in various selected positions at varying spacings from the first cylinder in alignment with the path of movement of the tool mounting means, a work piece or jig support plate fixedly mounted on the frame between the platen support means and the first piston rod in its retracted position and substantially spaced from the first piston rod in its retracted position, said support plate having a cut out of a size and located to have a tool extended therethrough, said frame comprising a pair of spaced frame members extending from the support plate in a direction away from said first combination, said platen supporting means including a platen support mounted on each frame member at the same distance from the support plate as the platen support on the other frame member, said platen supports being spaced from one another and extending from the respective frame member toward the other for supporting the platen in alignment with the cut out, and a second piston cylinder combination having a second cylinder and piston rod, and means for mounting the second combination on the frame, said combination mounting means mounting the cylinders on the same side of the support plate on opposite sides of the cut out and said tool mounting means being attached to the second piston rod.

2. For reciprocating a tool along a given axis to perform a work operation on a work piece. a hydraulic press comprising a frame having first and second vertically elongated, transversely spaced frame members. a piston cylinder combination having a cylinder and a piston rod reciprocally operated by the cylinder, means for mounting the combination on the frame, tool mounting means adapted for attaching a tool to the piston rod to move therewith along said axis, a work piece or jig support plate fixedly mounted on the frame in substantially spaced relationship to the piston rod in its retracted position, a first longitudinally elongated platen support member fixedly mounted on the first frame member in vertical spaced relationship to the support plate, a second longitudinally elongated platen support member fixedly mounted on the second frame member in vertical spaced relationship to the support plate, said first and second support members extending toward one another and being substantially, transversely spaced from one another, and being spaced from the support plate the same distance vertically below the support plate, and a platen for supporting a work piece or a work piece fixture removably supported by the support members, said support plate having a cut out located at least in part directly vertically between said combination and the platen on said support members, said frame providing a structural free space between the platen on the support members and said cut out.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further characterized in that there is provided additional first and second platen support members that are fixedly mounted on the first and second frame members at a substantially greater distance from the support plate than the first mentioned first and second support members, said additional first and second support members being both located at the same distance from the support plate and extending from the frame members towards one another and substantially transversely spaced from one another.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 further characterized in that each of the platen support members has a front edge located a substantial distance horizontally forwardly of the piston rod and a rear edge located a substantial distance rearwardly of the piston rod. 

1. For reciprocating a tool along a given axis to perform a work operation on a work piece, a hydraulic press comprising a frame, a first piston cylinder combination having a first cylinder and a first piston rod reciprocally operated by the cylinder, said first combination having a fixed length piston stroke, means for mounting the combination on the frame, tool mounting means adapted for attaching a tool to the first piston rod to move therewith along said axis, a platen for supporting a work piece supporting jig or work piece to have a work operation performed on the work piece by a tool mounted by the tool mounting means and moved through actuation of said first combination, means mounted on the frame for supporting the platen in various selected positions at varying spacings from the first cylinder in alignment with the path of movement of the tool mounting means, a work piece or jig support plate fixedly mounted on the frame between the platen support means and the first piston rod in its retracted position and substantially spaced from the first piston rod in its retracted position, said support plate having a cut out of a size and located to have a tool extended therethrough, said frame comprising a pair of spaced frame members extending from the support plate in a direction away from said first combination, said platen supporting means including a platen support mounted on each frame member at the same distance from the support plate as the platen support on the other frame member, said platen supports being spaced from one another and extending from the respective frame member toward the other for supporting the platen in alignment with the cut out, and a second piston cylinder combination having a second cylinder and piston rod, and means for mounting the second combination on the frame, said combination mounting means mounting the cylinders on the same side of the support plate on opposite sides of the cut out and said tool mounting means being attached to the second piston rod.
 2. For reciprocating a tool along a given axis to perform a work operation on a work piece, a hydraulic press comprising a frame having first and second vertically elongated, transversely spaced frame members, a piston cylinder combination having a cylinder and a piston rod reciprocally operated by the cylinder, means for mounting the combination on the frame, tool mounting means adapted for attaching a tool to the piston rod to move therewith along said axis, a work piece or jig support plate fixedly mounted on the frame in substantially spaced relationship to the piston rod in its retracted position, a first longitudinally elongated platen support member fixedly mounted on the first frame member in vertical spaced relationship to the support plate, a second longitudinally elongated platen support member fixedly mounted on the second frame member in vertical spaced relationship to the support plate, said first and second support members extending toward one another and being substantially, transversely spaced from one another, and being spaced from the support plate the same distance vertically below the support plate, and a platen for supporting a work Piece or a work piece fixture removably supported by the support members, said support plate having a cut out located at least in part directly vertically between said combination and the platen on said support members, said frame providing a structural free space between the platen on the support members and said cut out.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 further characterized in that there is provided additional first and second platen support members that are fixedly mounted on the first and second frame members at a substantially greater distance from the support plate than the first mentioned first and second support members, said additional first and second support members being both located at the same distance from the support plate and extending from the frame members towards one another and substantially transversely spaced from one another.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 further characterized in that each of the platen support members has a front edge located a substantial distance horizontally forwardly of the piston rod and a rear edge located a substantial distance rearwardly of the piston rod. 